Ukraine hit ground-control station for rare drone that fires Russia’s Banderol, missile hitting 650 km/h with 114-kg warhead

On the night of August 17, 2026, Ukraine targeted crucial Russian military targets in occupied Crimea and Kherson Oblast, according to the General Staff. Their focus was on the infrastructure supporting Russia's drone attacks, including storage sites, launch platforms, and control stations. The strikes aimed to disrupt Russia's ability to launch and guide Shahed drones, rather than targeting the drones themselves.

The first attack targeted a Shahed base near Hvardiiske in occupied Crimea, resulting in a fire at the site. The second strike hit the ground-control station of an Orion drone in Novofedorivka, also in occupied Crimea. The Orion drone is a large Kronshtadt strike-reconnaissance drone, capable of reaching speeds of up to 650 km/h and carrying a 114-kg warhead. It serves as an aerial launch platform for the Banderol cruise missile.

The Orion drone is unique, with only nine lost in the entire war, making it the sole means for Russia to fire Banderol missiles from Crimea at Odesa. Prior to this development, Russia lacked a ground launcher for the Banderol. The strikes also targeted relay points that extend the range of Russian drones, such as a ground system for controlling Geran and Gerbera attack drones in Olenivka, and a communication and power point for a drone relay on the Tendra Spit in Kherson Oblast.

By destroying these relay points, Ukraine effectively shortens the range of Russian drones, limiting their ability to penetrate Ukrainian territory.

The extent of the damage caused by these strikes remains unclear, but Ukraine confirmed that they successfully hit the infrastructure behind Russia's drone attacks. Additionally, Ukraine's newest drone is capable of staying airborne for over 24 hours and resisting jamming, allowing it to reach targets beyond the Urals.